NHL Tonight: What to watch, stats, betting info for Thursday - ESPN

Each NHL team's season-opening game is staggered across the first handful of days of the campaign, and Thursday includes the first regular-season action for 10 clubs.

Whether it's an exciting young rookie, a familiar face in a new place or an iconic new goaltender mask, there's something for all fans in these contests.

Thursday night is also an occasion where it pays to have multiple devices and an ESPN+ subscription, with eight games on the slate. Here's what to watch in each of them:

Buffalo Sabres at Columbus Blue Jackets

7 ET (ESPN+) | CBJ -115, O/U: 6.5

The Sabres ended the NHL's longest postseason drought last season — and won a round when they got there, for good measure. The Blue Jackets have not played any playoff hockey in six seasons, but have come close recently. Can they their fortunes around? And for those who like to watch elite defensemen, you're in luck: reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski and Norris finalist Rasmus Dahlin will be playing heavy minutes in this one.

Philadelphia Flyers at New Jersey Devils

7 ET (Disney+/ESPN+/Hulu) | NJ -142, O/U: 5.5

Following Tuesday's Battle of Pennsylvania showdown against the Penguins (a 7-0 loss), the Flyers take on their I-95 rivals in North Jersey. Despite the NHL's divisional playoff format, the two teams have met just twice in the postseason since 2005; the Flyers won 4-1 in the 2010 conference quarterfinals and the Devils won 4-1 in the 2012 conference semifinals. In each of those years, the team that won the matchup lost in the Stanley Cup Final.

Tampa Bay Lightning at New York Rangers

7 ET (ESPN+) | TB -142, O/U: 5.5

After a 3-0 loss to the Bruins in their season opener, the Rangers will look to get on track in their home opener at Madison